Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

”Zhao Feng, you’ve only just joined the main battle camp; your experience leading troops still needs improvement,” Chen Tao said, his words a clear dismissal. He then turned his gaze to the other man. ”For this battle, Liu Wu, you will lead the vanguard. Zhao Feng, if Liu Wu’s forces falter, you will immediately take over the attack.”

Liu Wu’s face beamed with elation. ”I accept the command.” He then looked at Zhao Feng and smiled. ”Commander Zhao, I won’t be ceding this merit to you. Once the city gate is breached, follow me immediately.” He was clearly certain the achievement would be his.

Zhao Feng merely looked on calmly, easily spotting the smugness in Liu Wu’s expression.

Although the Qin Sharp Warriors are a single entity, there are still cliques and relationships within. It seems my rapid promotion has stirred some jealousy. Zhao Feng thought, a cold smile touching his lips.

He had been in the main battle camp for less than half a month. He was only familiar with the Junhou under his command and barely knew anyone else. His acquaintance with Liu Wu was superficial at best. General Li’s decision made it clear he prioritized his own trusted Wanjiang commanders, which included Chen Tao. Chen Tao’s subsequent choice of Liu Wu was undoubtedly because the two were on good terms. Under the Qin Army’s merit-based system, everyone vied for honor and promotion. However, the appointment of the vanguard often came down to one’s relationship with a superior officer. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been so many disputes over merit throughout history.

From ancient times to the present, it’s always been about the game of favors and connections! This was the first time Zhao Feng had truly witnessed such politics within the army.

However, he did not care.

”Brothers!” Liu Wu shouted, his voice exuding confidence. ”Did you hear? The general said we’re still the vanguard until the walls fall! Follow me! Once we breach Han Capital, the greatest merit will belong to our Commandant Camp!” With that, he led his five thousand Sharp Warriors charging ahead.

Far too cocky. Zhao Feng thought, a faint smile on his lips as he watched Liu Wu’s display. The city gates were tightly sealed and the walls were manned by Han troops. Zhao Feng was curious to see how Liu Wu actually intended to take the city.

”Commander Liu leads the vanguard with his troops; my Commandant Camp is in reserve,” Zhao Feng announced to his men. ”Everyone be careful. The Han arrow volleys are relentless, so spread out as much as possible.” He turned to instruct Zhang Han and the other Junhou, his gaze lingering on Wei Quan for a moment.

”Understood!” Zhang Han, Wei Quan, and the other Junhou replied in unison.

Once Liu Wu had led his troops out, putting some distance between them and Zhao Feng’s own men, Zhao Feng gave his order.

”Kill!”

Without wasting any more words, he drew his sword and charged, his expression serious. The Sharp Warriors followed, led by their respective Junhou, though they advanced at a more measured pace. With the gate still unbreached, rushing forward too quickly meant facing the enemy’s arrow barrage like lambs to the slaughter.

On the walls, seeing one wave of Qin troops retreat only to be replaced by another, Cao Yi shouted, ”They won’t spare us if they breach the walls! Archers, fire on the troops below! Stone Throwing Machines, target their archers! Kill!”

Facing life and death, the Han army defended with all its might.

Liu Wu, shield in hand, led his Commandant Camp forward into the torrent of arrows, with his soldiers occasionally being struck down. Soon, he and his men reached the base of the city walls.

With fresh troops joining the fray, siege towers and ladders were pushed against the walls once more. Liu Wu led his five thousand Sharp Warriors in a ferocious and ceaseless assault, charging the battlements and climbing the ladders. Yet despite their onslaught, they could not take the top of the wall, and their casualties continued to mount.